Ranking Every New Jersey Devils 1st-Round Draft Pick Part 3: Success Stories
By Mike Luci
No. 3: Brendan Shanahan
Left Wing
2nd Overall, 1987
Mostly known for his years with the Detroit Red Wings, Brendan Shanahan was the first player Lou Lamoriello ever drafted as General Manager in New Jersey. The highest-ranked player to be a Stanley Cup champion that never won one with New Jersey, Shanahan is also one of three Hall of Famers to appear on this list. His first stint with the Devils only lasted four seasons, during which he tallied 94 goals and 228 points in 315 games.
The circumstances behind Shanahan’s departure are a little dicey. He signed with the St. Louis Blues as a restricted free agent in 1991, which (according to the collective bargaining agreement) meant New jersey was entitled to compensation. Ordinarily, a team would be reciprocated with draft picks, but St. Louis’ next few first-round selections were owed to the Washington Capitals for pulling a similar stunt with defenseman Scott Stevens. Despite offering a package of Curtis Joseph, Rod Brind’Amour, and future draft picks, the Devils requested Stevens and were awarded the rugged defenseman by an arbitrator.
Shanahan had two 50-goal seasons in St. Louis, making him the only Devils first-round pick to hit that threshold. After four years in St. Louis, Shanahan was dealt to the Hartford Whalers for defenseman Chris Pronger, where he played one full season before going to the Detroit Red Wings. Shanahan spent nine years in Detroit, winning three Stanley Cups, and had seven 30+ goal seasons, including three with at least 40 tallies. Shanahan spent two years with the New York Rangers, where he had totals of 52 goals and 108 points in 140 contests, before playing a final season for New Jersey.